A Documentary Film

The Beach Boys

1961 – 1964

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group’s original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. They are one of the most influential bands in rock history, known for their...

Scroll

The Film

Chapters

Origins

The Beginning

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine.

The Rise

Building a Legacy

- "Surfin'" - debut single 1961 - "Surfin' Safari" (1962) - "Surfin' U.S.A." (1963) - "Surfer Girl" (1963) - "Fun, Fun, Fun" (1964) - "I Get Around" (1964) - first #1

The Work

Defining Moments

- Surfin' Safari (1962) - Surfin' U.S.A. (1963) - Surfer Girl (1963) - Little Deuce Coupe (1963) - All Summer Long (1964) - Today!

The Peak

Greatest Achievements

The Beach Boys are among the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful American bands, with Pet Sounds considered one of music's greatest achievements.

The Legacy

Lasting Impact

The Beach Boys' personal lives were marked by family dysfunction, tragedy, mental illness, and eventual healing and preservation of the legacy.

In Their Words

“

(1961) - Their debut single -

— Overview

“

(1964) ## Brian Wilson's Evolution (1965-1967) Brian Wilson began evolving the band's sound: -

— Overview

“

(1965) - Concept album structure -

— Overview

“

(1966) - Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever made -

— Overview

“

(1966) - Pocket symphony, #1 hit ## Pet Sounds and SMiLE

— Overview

The Work

Innovations

Year	Title	Role/Impact	Type
1961	Introduction	Recording	Album
1961	Early Years and Surf Sound (1961-1964)	Recording	Album
1965	Brian Wilson's Evolution (1965-1967)	Recording	Album
1961	Formation	Recording	Album
1942	The Wilson Brothers	Recording	Album
1944	Brian Wilson (Born 1942)	Recording	Album